As many people have already mentioned, Google Maps recently unveiled bicycle-specific directions. This feature has been requested for quite some time, and it’s nice to see Google has finally responded. However, as might be expected, the service has a long way to go before it can be genuinely helpful.
It’s not surprising that algorithms for bicycle directions are more complex than those for cars. Our transportation system has been developed over the last 85 exclusively for cars, so the best route for someone riding a bicycle is almost entirely chosen using locally specific knowledge of traffic volume, transportation restrictions or regulations, road conditions, short cuts, paths, etc. This information is so haphazard that it must be nearly impossible to write a program that can accurately give the best bicycle route from point A to point B.
Additionally complicating the process are vast differences in cycling ability. While I feel perfectly comfortable riding with traffic on nearly any road in Goshen, many others find even the tranquil conditions of South 8th Street intimidating.
However, Google anticipated these “road bumps” (if you will) and has included the ability for users to give feedback. So if, for instance, their directions tell me to take Madison Street from Goshen High School to downtown, I can suggest to Google that in the future they offer 10th Street to Jefferson as a better alternative.
Listen to the NPR review of Google Maps for bicycles at the link below.
A Bumpy Test Ride With Googles Bike Map
by JACOB FENSTON
Listen to the Story
NPR Morning Edition [3 min 21 sec]
